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LosCabosm
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TheManrrMoodsof
MEXiCAN
THIS ROMANTIC,DESERT-MEETS-SEA
HONEYMOONMECCA HAS A RESORTFOR ANY TASTEFROM ULTRALUXE TO LOW-KEYTO LIVELY
By Katie McElveen
T W ASN O TAL L T H A TL O N G
a go t h at mo s t v i si t o r s t o
Los Caboswere more interes t ed i n r e el i ng i n m a r l in
t h an si pp i ng m a r ga ri t as .
The fishing here still ranks among the
best in the world, but these days the destination-poised at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, where the Sea of Cortez and the
Pacific Ocean meet in a tempest of bluehas morphed into hirneymoon central,
offering year-round sunshine, sophisticated dining, exuberant nightlife and
resorts to suit every personality.
Spanning zo miles of coastline between
happening Cabo San Lucas and historic
San |ose del Cabo,the region is renowned
for its emerald green golf courses, rugged mountains and enticing mix of land
and water sports. You can race ATVs
over sandy mini-Matterhorns dotting the
desert (amigosactivities.com),fly above
t re e t o p s a n d j aw - d r op pi n g c a ny on s o n
a zipline tour (canopycostaazul.com)or
hop aboard an America's Cup racing yacht
(cabo-adventures.com)and tack your way
to adrenaline-fueledbliss.
Foodies will be equally happy. At La
Panga Antigua Resthurant & Bar (lapanga
.com) in San |ose, savor grilled snapper,
tunaanddorado, (continuedon page 5tj)
pool
Clorkwise
fromoppositetopleft:1hepalm-lined
at sunset;
a luxurysuitepoolat
at HiltonLosCabos
accomCabo
fuul'sArabian
Nights-inspired
Esperanza;
modations;
a beachfront
daybed
at 0nefr0nlyPalmilla;
lobbyat Marquis
losCabos.
andthepanoramic
EB+ M AR
4 9 2 MO D E R N BRFIDE
2O09
VI SI T MO D ER NBR I D EON L I N EAT BR I DES. C O M
rr-
-
- -
--
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VISIT MODE RNBR I DEO N LI N EA T BR I D ES ,C O i \ 4
MO D ER N BR ID EFEB + i \ 4AR2O O 9
493
loscabos
(continuedfrom page 492)
served
under almond trees in the courtyard
of a r58-year-old home. Get your sushi
fix at Nick-San (nicksan.com)or fulfill
your romantic fantasies with a custom menu in a private dining alcove
steps from the ocean at One&OnlY
P a l m il la (on eand on l y r e s or t s .co m ) .
A n d a t Me x ic an ea t e r y La F on d a
(ot r-52-624143-6926\, you might lust
be tempted to try the maguey worm
tacos (go ahead-they're a delicacy).
P os tsu nd o wn , yo u c a n p ar t y a l l
night or embrace iust-the-two-of-you
quiet. Indulge in tequila shots and
people-watching at The Nowhere Bar
in Cabo San Lucas (nowherebar.com);
dance beneath purple and red lights at
ME Cabo's trendy Passion nightclub
(mecabo.travel); or sip champagne
in the alfresco lounge at Esperanza
(e s p era nza r e s or t . c o m ) , wh e r e yo u
can almost touch the moonlight as it
dancesacrossthe Seaof Cortez.And
when it's time to slip into your room,
the romance will follow. Read on for
descriptions of ro resorts offering a
range of sensualexperiences.
Elegant 0ases
NataliaJuststepsfrom San|ose
Casa
del Cabo'stown square,this boutiquestyle gem has an exuberant, quirkY
charm that's perfect for couples who
crave art and culture rather than sand
between their toes. Its tiny lobby features brick walls and vibrant mosaics,
and its ra whimsical rooms are filled
with local art. Soak up morning sun
in the palm-shaded courtyard, where
hibiscus blossoms float on a waterfallfed pool. Have lunch at Mi Cocina, the
hotel's alfresco restaurant (and one of
the hottest tables in town), then spend
the afternoon exploring the shops
and galleries that line San fose's narrow streets..Arid when the sun has
set and Casa Natalia's pool is bathed
in a torchlit glow, slip in for a sexy
midnight swim (doubles from $285;
888I z7738 r 4 or casanatalia.com).
EsperanzaThis artsy yet sophisticated
enclave's alluring combo of modern
luxury and Mexican charm has redefined casual elegance. Stone paths
VISIT MOD E RNB R I D EO N LI N EAT E R I DE S. C OM
lead to 57 newly renovated rooms, all
featuring colorful paintings, Mexican
textiles in Baia-inspired hues and private terraces equipped with infinityedge facuzzis. Fun extras include free
daily yoga classes,an onsite art gallery
and accessto a fleet of convertibles'
Don't miss a visit to the nature-based
spa, where treatments such as a limeand coconut-infused massagebegin
with the Pasajede Agua, a water ritual
designed to purify. For the ultimate
in newlywed bliss, however, book the
after-hours Pasi6n de Ia Noche, which
b egins with wraps and massages
selectedto promote togetherness and
ends with drinks made with damiana liqueur, derived from a flowering
shrub that's said to induce feelings
o f a mor (doubles from $475;8661
3t r-zzz6 or esperanzaresort.com).
Ghic Desigm Palaces
Mysticaland
al Paraiso
lasVentanas
utterly serene,this five-diamond resort
will vanquish any lingering weddingday stress the moment you exit the
Mercedes SUV that transports you
from the airport. It drops you at the
circular open-air lobby, where the only
sounds are water trickling over stones
and the soft whoosh ofthe ocean.fust
beyond, a serpentine river of lapis blue
twists through the landscape and ends
in an infinity pool that seems to melt
into the ocean. Don't worry if you ve
forgotten something: Butlers offering
iPods, Evian mists, binoculars for spotting whales, sunblock, books and sorbet will take care of any request. The
7r suites are equally calming: Decorated in sea-glassshades,each boasts a
fireplace, telescopeand a plunge pool
with ocean views; Rooftop Terrace
Suites on the third floor have aeries
for side-by-side daydreaming or a
moonlit massage(doubles from $5oo;
8 88I 7 673966 or lasventanas.com).
Qnef:Only Palmilla With its history of
pampering celebrities-among them,
Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcherthis stunning property starts the star
t r e atment as soon as you steP into
the porte cochere. From there, a golf
cart whisks you along paths shaded
by parasols of tropical blooms past
white stucco casasfronted by wrought
iron gates and massive wooden doors.
Behind one is your room, one of r7z
imbued with old-world Mexican ambience: hand-carvedfurnishings, travertine floors and bathrooms with deep
soaking tubs. Ifyou can tear yourselves
from these luxuries, you can enjoy two
pools (the Vista Pool is adults-only),
a beach calm enough for swimming,
and floating beds for two set in a private cove (doubles from $525; 8oo/
637-zzz6 or oneandonlyresorts.com).
Playgrround$
contemtrrrary
CaboAzulTheysaythat opposites
attract, but at Cabo Azul, one of the
region's newest resorts, op posites
are downright sexy. Outside, white
Bali beds with room for two offer a
dramatic contrast to the eye-catching
black tile of the round, three-tiered
pool (for maximum privacy, opt for
one of the woven chaise pods scattered about). In the suites, mod living room decor and stainle ss steel
kitchen appliances lend a ztst-century
vibe, while bedrooms fulfill ancient
Arabian Nighrs fantasies,with ornate
Moroccan-inspired lanterns and ceilings tented in gauzy white fabric. All
suites have large patios; request one
outfitted with heavy drapes to transform it into a secluded nook. At night,
when the fire pits blaze, these elements come together in a spectacular
display of light and dark that's certain
to ignite passion (doubles from $263;
877I z 16-zzz6 or caboazulresort.com).
Marquis l-osCabosYour first thought
as you step into the dramatic arched
lobby is apt to be "Wow!"-and that
feeling will never fade. This zo9-room
and z8-casita property is all about
unencumbered personal space and
decadent service. The pool, a gorgeous
curve of blue that meanders through
a grove of palms and past a waterfall,
was built to create isolated areas to
enjoy the sun. Breakfast is delivered
each morning into a niche that opens
both from the hallway and your room,
so you can drink your coffee without
having to face another living soul.
MAR
2OO 9 513
M OD ERN BR IDFEB+
E
Ioscabos
Come nightfall, just ask, and when
you return from dinner, you'll find
the soft glow of candles illuminating a
tubful ofbubbles and rose petals scattered across the bed. For extra privacy,
book a secludedMarquis Suite,with a
plunge pool, two terraces and a large
bathroom (doubles from $38o; 877I
48-9399 or marquisloscabos.com).
Budget-Fricndly Lodgrings
Casa
Dorada
Located
on livelyMedano
Beach in downtown Cabo San Lucas,
this property melds the best of two
worlds. Medano, the area's most popular beach, is known for terrific swimming, great bars and uninterrupted
v ie w s o f ph ot oge nic la nd m ar k El
Arco, while around the corner, Cabo's
shops, restaurants, bars and galleries brim with energy. The 186 stylish
rooms, all featuring full kitchens and
balconies with bay views, are outfitted
with modern dark wood furnishings
and luxe accents, Iike raw silk comforters and original artwork. During
the day, settle into a lounge chair at
the pool or at the beach club. Transition into evening beside one of the
fire pits that rim the pool deck, where
you can watch the sun slip into the
ocean before taking a short stroll to
town for dinner (doubles from $z5o;
866I 448or 5 r or casadorada.com).
Hiltonlos Cabos
Beach
ErGolfResort
Like a beautiful hacienda owned by a
wealthy friend, this 375-room resort
is warm and welcoming. Bright tropical flowers spill from urns, fountains
splash gently, and stucco archways
frame the paths. After check in, you'll
be handed a frosty margarita to sip
as you contemplate the impossibly
blue water from your room's balcony.
Upscale touches-carved mahogany
headboards, L'Occitane toiletries and
a concierge offering fruit, cold towels
and magazines at the crescent-shaped
infinity pool-are lovely. For can'tsit-still types, there are |et Skis, kayaks and volleyball on the beach, plus
tennis courts and a newly enhanced
spa. Sate your appetites at four restaurants, offering everything from sushi
to burgers to pastas, or if the mood
5 1 4 MO D E R N BRFEB+
I D E M A2O
R 09
bachelorettegetaways
strikes, book a romantic torchlit feast
on the beach (doubles from $zo9; 8oo/
HILTON or hiltonloscabos.com).
(continuedfrom page 5oo)
Party-Centric Properties
Dreams
LosCabos
Suites
GolfResort
fr spaWith its terra-cotta
tile roof
andopen-airlobbyfilledwith bubblingfountains,
this 3o8-room
resort
.com). Another must is tapa s spot
Mercat a la Planxa, where fose
Garces impresses with dishes like
rabbit-filled tortelloni topped with
brown-butter froth (dinner from $55;
mercatchicago.com). Lowcountry classics, from crabcakes to catfish, get a
city makeover at Table Fifty-Two (dinner from $6o; tablefifty-two.com).
WHERETO PLAYSince its debut a vear
ago, The Violet Hour speakeasyhas
developed a cult following. In true
throwback style, there's no signjust a glowing yellow lightbulb-but
inside, cornflower blue wal ls and
crystal chandeliers give this watering
hole an elegant vibe l773lz5z-r5oo).
Other spots to break open a bottle
of Perrier-fouet: Rebar at the Trump
International Hotel & Tower, with iawdropping views of the Chicago River
(trumpchicagohotel.com), and The
Drawing Room, part of the happening
Le Passagenightclub (lepassage.com).
WHERETO SPA Sign up for Chicago
ShopWalk's Blissful, Bridal and Bachelorette package,a combo platter of
dining (miniburgers, fries and champagne at Wave restaurant), shopping
(including discounts and more bubbly
along the way) and spa-ing (pedicures
at Bliss Spa as you watch Sex and the
Cityl.Who could resist? ($r85 per person;7731255-78661. -NicoleAlper
resembles a sun-drenched Mediterranean villa. Rooms feature crisp white
l i nens, marble floors, terraces and
large sitting areas. Commanding an
imposing stretch of palmJined beach
with a cove for swimming, kayaking and launching |et Skis, this allinclusive has a stunning infinity pool
with a waterfall and a serene spa. A
swirl of activities-salsa and merengue lessons, cooking and bartending classes,beach volleyball matches
and ping-pong tournaments-keeps
t h e energy level high. And thanks
to movie nights, theme parties and
live music in the lounge, the action
doesn't stop when the sun sets (doub le s f rom $392, all-inclusive; 866/
z-DREAMS or dreamsresorts.com).
M E C abo Looking for the next hot
thing? Follow celebslike Adam Sandler and Adrian Grenier to this ultracontemporary r5o-room resort in Cabo
San Lucas.ME Cabo has "aura experien c e managers" on hand to ensure
your happiness, as well as specialty
rooms (in addition to Deluxe Garden
and Ocean View rooms) to suit every
mood: Stylistascan chooseChic Suites,
with their haute decor and private terraces; social butterflies can check into
Energy Suites, which surround the
pool and share |acuzziswith the room
next door; and seclusion-seekerswill
find nirvana in The Level Lofts, with
their customized minibar and iPod
preloaded with your favorite drinks
and tunes, respectively. By day, drift
away in a daybed. After dark, join the
parly at Nikki Beach Club and, later,
at Passion,where the dancing doesn't
end until the sun comes up. Recover
at the Yhi Spa so you'll be ready to do
it all over again (doubles from gz4o;
8oofi363542 or mecabo.travel).
For more info, visitloscabos.travel
David
whips up contemporary global fare,
from sushi to green apple risotto
(dinner from $7o; nomirestaurant
Las Vegas
No place conjures up as many images
of no-holds-barredhedonism as Sin
City. Still, while its clamorous casinos guarantee nonstop nightlife, a
visit here doesn't have to be constant
chaos.Vegas offers a little something
for everyone-on or off The Strip, day
or night, reveler or rejuvenator.
WHERETO SIAY The opulent lobby of
Wynn Las Vegas is the first clue that
this resort takes luxury to another
level. Upstairs, the Tower Suites offer
up a chic apartment setting with
amenties that include in-room manicures/pedicures (from $249; wynnlas
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